R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-8-10
The Rhode Island commendation medal may be awarded in the name of the governor, to each person who, while a commissioned officer, warrant officer, or enlisted person of the armed forces of the United States, including reserve components thereof, or of the Rhode Island national guard, while on active, state, or federal services, distinguished himself or herself conspicuously by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service to the state or federal government in a duty of responsibility. The Rhode Island commendation medal may be awarded in the name of the governor to each member of the United States Naval Armed Guard who has received the award of the Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal, the European-African-Middle East campaign medal, or the American campaign medal. No more than one Rhode Island commendation medal shall be awarded to any one person, but for each succeeding service, sufficient to justify the award of a Rhode Island commendation medal, a bronze oak leaf cluster shall be awarded in lieu thereof.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-8-10